Questions on 69.5 maverick v8 column shift linkage, v8 302 swap, manual transmission options.. Hi Guys, I have a 69.5 Maverick, my mom bought new and I am converting to a v8 302. I am keeping my non locking shift on column and steering wheel but need the under hood linkage for column shift v8 302 as the I6 200 wont work. Does anyone know where I can obtain these parts. The 5 lug front disc brake conversion is done and so is the 9 inch rearend with a 1/2 inch shave off each side. The v8 radiator is also in the car. The v8 302 is rebuilt and ready yo go in. I have the motor mounts, fame mounts, belly bar and c4 transmission brace if I go with a c4 performance automatic. I am also evaluating the move to a standard transmission as I have the pedals available. Has anyone done this that could provide me some back knowledge. I don't want a modern shift by wire transmission. I want mechanical linkage like a 4 spd toploader. It can be new perhaps a T5 or Mcleod but not sure. I want it era correct and don't want to mix old and new technologies. Any input would be appreciated. I have heard the 69.5 transmission tunnel is smaller than the 71 Maverick which optionally supported a v8 302 or I6 250. How have you 69.5 guys gotten around this without cutting? This car is way too nice to cut. It's never been hit, has 49k orig miles, been in the family since new and just 1 repaint. Thanks for any help! Kind Regards, John
The only thing I would like to add, is about using a T5 or not. The main pluses about a T5 is you get an overdrive and it is an easy transmission to find and to work on. The downside is more work to install and it does require modification of the tunnel, which as you know is worse on the early cars with the smaller tunnel. I just can't see how you could get the engine to sit right and the pinion angle correct without at least some tunnel clearance work for the T5. If I wanted to switch from the automatic to a manual and stay period correct, use the easy to install z-bar clutch setup, and save myself a ton of fabrication work, I would put in the 4 speed toploader instead of a T5. I have done the T5 swap and while I really enjoyed the challenge of doing it the way I wanted it done, I would probably rethink it and do the much easier 4 speed the next time around. Even with the 4 speed the early tunnel will give you some trouble and needs to be worked a little here and there. Not as bad as with a T5 - but that early tunnel is not very transmission swap friendly. If having a manual is not a top priority, I would stick with the C4 that you know fits the car already. JMHO ……….
If you go with a Toploader, look into using a hydraulic clutch setup. This is a lot easier than dealing with the old mechanical linkage. Only thing to deal with is some kits use a firewall stiffener plate that's too thin. My Modern Driveline kit was like this. I ended up fabricating an extra plate to double the thickness and spread the load over a wider area. The Toploader uses the same crossmember and mount the C4 used.
